I recently visited Ireland, and several people told me that all Kellys go back to Ireland. I know that my Kelly ancestors immigrated from Cornwall, England to the USA in the 1900s. The furthest back relative I know of is William H. Kelly who was born in 1857 and who immigrated to Michigan. I'd like to find out about possible Ireland connections. Thanks in advance!
Diane:
Kelly is the second most common surname in Irish Republic. Unless you have more information, you probably should research your family in Cornwall to see if you can come up with some leads which might help identify where in Ireland your family came from. They likely left during or right after the famine.
Roger McDonnell
. Kelly ? the bright-headed ones
Kelly comes second to Murphy as the most common surname in Ireland.
The Kellys are all over Ireland; the name originates from at around 10 different and unrelated ancient clans or septs. These include O'Kelly septs from Meath, Derry, Antrim, Laois, Sligo, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Galway and Roscommon.
O'Kelly comes from the Gaelic O Ceallaigh, meaning "descended from Ceallach," an Irish chieftan. ?Ceallach? means war or contention. It is an ancient first name that is no longer used as a first name in Ireland. However, Kelly is a popular first name for women in the U.S.
READ THE WHOLE STORY OF THE KELLY CLAN! CLICK HERE
Roger, Thank you! Do you think that would be right that the Kellys of Cornwall, England may have originated in Ireland? I know the Cornish are also Celtic...
Thanks for your response!
Diane
Diane:
I think it is likely that they came from Ireland around the famine but possibly earlier.
Roger
In Cornwall and Devon the name Kelly is not Irish, but is derived from the Cornish word celli, kelli 'wood, grove'.